MSP concludes fatal crash investigation

SAULT STE. MARIE — Michigan State Police have concluded their investigation into an April 21 traffic accident that claimed the life of a Theresa LaBranche, 37, of Brimley.

Troopers have determined that LaBranche was killed instantly when the vehicle she was driving on Six Mile failed to navigate a curve, left the roadway and struck a tree. A fire at the scene following the crash, troopers indicate, complicated initial efforts to identify the vehicle and the driver.

A subsequent investigation has led authorities to believe that alcohol and excessive speed were contributing factors in the fatal accident.

Troopers believe that the vehicle was traveling at least 70 MPH when it left the roadway and laboratory tests reveal that LaBranche's blood alcohol content was .13 at the time of the crash well above the .08 limit.

Bay Mills Tribal Police assisted the Michigan State Police in this investigation.